EMBRACE YOURSELF | from page 19 _____________ I spent a month being a total recluse, until my friend intervened and said, “Girl, you have to get out of that house!” With some encouragement from my kids, I departed from my hiding place and met my friend on the side of the road. He had a wig in hand. I put it on, and suddenly, I felt pretty again. The problem was solved…until it was time for me to take off the wig. After days of this emotional turmoil, I was finished. This was ridiculous. How could a wig and the opinions of others have so much power? It was time to quit hiding and face the world. It was time to embrace me, the real me, and quit worrying what the world thought. I embraced the new me by going to the barber and having my hair cut low and colored blond. And that’s how I walked onstage before millions on The Voice. You know what’s amazing? As I stepped out and embraced myself, others found the courage to embrace their true selves, also. Women started cutting their hair off and bleaching it blond! Countless people told me how beautiful my look was—while all I could think was, if you only knew my story. Funny how people desire what you have without knowing the history behind it. Well, now you know… I’m a preacher’s kid; I was a migrant worker; I’m a child of God…and I am still a work in progress. At this moment, He is peeling away layers of guilt and fear. But as I face them and share them, I’m discovering freedom. I’m beginning to love and embrace the person God created me to be. He has given me beauty for ashes. �� I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection.… No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12–14 A New Stage in Life Through her relationship with Jesus Christ, Sisaundra is discovering the power of living in the grace and love of God without the burdens of fear, guilt, or shame. Likewise, Jason is finding freedom from anger and blame. With God’s help, both Sisaundra and Jason moved out of one stage of life where they were enslaved to their emotions and into a new stage, where they are experiencing purpose, hope, worth, and joy. Is it time you moved to a new place in your life? Are you weary of your emotions taking center stage? Find freedom in Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Do you need a new way? Do you need truth? Do you need life? Then come to Him. He will bring you to a new stage where life is worth living and the world is impacted through you. O LORD, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. PSALM 86:5 Photography by Timothy Smith of Honor Photography 20 kojministries.org Issue 3 2017 and Dee Lancaster of Dear Dee Photography
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